ALOE

Aloe spp.

Aalwyne (Afr.)

1/2

The Aloe family consist of over 500 succulent flowering plants, many native to Africa. The succulent leaves make them a good water wise choice. They have warm orange, red or yellow flowers in winter when the landscape is often grey. The nectar-rich fowers provide food to many insects and birds, inviting welcome visitors to your garden and adding diversity.

Planning

Difficulty

Easy

Flowering time

Autumn, Winter

Harvesting

Pick leaves or flowers as needed.

Propagation

Seed

Plant seed in spring in well-draining seedtrays.

Suckers

Remove new plants from the motherplant as soon as they have a few leaves and some roots.

Special features

Attracts birds

Aloe flowers are nectar-rich and a feast for sunbirds and sugarbirds in times when few gardenplants are flowering

Geography

Origin

Africa, Madagascar and surrounding islands.

Natural climate

Dry Interior

Environment

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Soil moisture

Dry

Soil type

Clay, Loam, Sand

Soil PH preference

Neutral, Acid, Alkaline

Frost hardiness

Half-Hardy

Personality

Family

Asphodelace

Flower colour

Yellow and oranges to red.

Scent

None

Problems

Too wet conditions can lead to fungal attack and rotting. Insects like scale or snoutbeetle can harm Aloe.